Golden Bass Music Festival // New Zealand

The story of Golden Bass is one of perseverance, grit, and determination. An unending onslaught of torrential rain for the first 30 hours, mud half a meter deep, and multiple camera malfunctions necessitated creative solutions and camaraderie. Nothing could stop the boldest among us, and the music and movement carried on despite it all. And then it was as if Ranginui, the Māori sky father, decided that we had passed the test—the skies cleared and a multitude of stars shone down upon the dancing creatures below. With unfettered joy and newfound energy, we moved our bodies through the night to the rhythm and vibrations pervading us. The Sun rose, shining with pride on all life below, and still, we danced.